SERMON TITLE: Hope in Exile
TEXT: Daniel 7:1-28 (NLT)
SPEAKER: Josh Hanson
DATE: 6-23-24
Watch the sermon here
Takes notes here
As always it’s a joy to be with all of you this weekend at Gateway Church. And there’s one thing I want you to know — and this is true if you’re worshiping with us for the first time — are joining us at our North Main Campus or are with our friends in Bucyrus — I want you to know that God loves you and that I love you too.
We’re continuing our series in the book of Daniel today — looking at what it means to live in exile. However — today we come to a transitional point in the book. The first six chapters of Daniel are historical narrative and — the stories we’re familiar with — the fiery furnace, the lion’s den — come from the first half of the book. The second half — which we’re beginning today — is a different literary genre. We’ll encounter the prophetic sections — stuff about the future — and apocalyptic sections of Daniel — a genre full of symbolism. And — for many people — the second half of Daniel is pretty confusing. So hopefully our time in Daniel will help these important sections of the book be a little less confusing for us — though we won’t be able to clear up all of the confusion.
But — before we get ahead of ourselves — let’s read our text for today. If you have your Bible — turn with me to Daniel chapter seven. We’ll be in Daniel chapter seven — beginning in verse one.
Daniel 7:1–28 (NLT)
1 Earlier, during the first year of King Belshazzar’s reign in Babylon, Daniel had a dream and saw visions as he lay in his bed. He wrote down the dream, and this is what he saw. 2 In my vision that night, I, Daniel, saw a great storm churning the surface of a great sea, with strong winds blowing from every direction. 3 Then four huge beasts came up out of the water, each different from the others. 4 The first beast was like a lion with eagles’ wings. As I watched, its wings were pulled off, and it was left standing with its two hind feet on the ground, like a human being. And it was given a human mind. 5 Then I saw a second beast, and it looked like a bear. It was rearing up on one side, and it had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. And I heard a voice saying to it, “Get up! Devour the flesh of many people!” 6 Then the third of these strange beasts appeared, and it looked like a leopard. It had four bird’s wings on its back, and it had four heads. Great authority was given to this beast. 7 Then in my vision that night, I saw a fourth beast — terrifying, dreadful, and very strong. It devoured and crushed its victims with huge iron teeth and trampled their remains beneath its feet. It was different from any of the other beasts, and it had ten horns. 8 As I was looking at the horns, suddenly another small horn appeared among them. Three of the first horns were torn out by the roots to make room for it. This little horn had eyes like human eyes and a mouth that was boasting arrogantly. 9 I watched as thrones were put in place and the Ancient One sat down to judge. His clothing was as white as snow, his hair like purest wool. He sat on a fiery throne with wheels of blazing fire, 10 and a river of fire was pouring out, flowing from his presence. Millions of angels ministered to him; many millions stood to attend him. Then the court began its session, and the books were opened. 11 I continued to watch because I could hear the little horn’s boastful speech. I kept watching until the fourth beast was killed and its body was destroyed by fire. 12 The other three beasts had their authority taken from them, but they were allowed to live a while longer. 13 As my vision continued that night, I saw someone like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world, so that people of every race and nation and language would obey him. His rule is eternal — it will never end. His kingdom will never be destroyed. 15 I, Daniel, was troubled by all I had seen, and my visions terrified me. 16 So I approached one of those standing beside the throne and asked him what it all meant. He explained it to me like this: 17 “These four huge beasts represent four kingdoms that will arise from the earth. 18 But in the end, the holy people of the Most High will be given the kingdom, and they will rule forever and ever.” 19 Then I wanted to know the true meaning of the fourth beast, the one so different from the others and so terrifying. It had devoured and crushed its victims with iron teeth and bronze claws, trampling their remains beneath its feet. 20 I also asked about the ten horns on the fourth beast’s head and the little horn that came up afterward and destroyed three of the other horns. This horn had seemed greater than the others, and it had human eyes and a mouth that was boasting arrogantly. 21 As I watched, this horn was waging war against God’s holy people and was defeating them, 22 until the Ancient One — the Most High — came and judged in favor of his holy people. Then the time arrived for the holy people to take over the kingdom. 23 Then he said to me, “This fourth beast is the fourth world power that will rule the earth. It will be different from all the others. It will devour the whole world, trampling and crushing everything in its path. 24 Its ten horns are ten kings who will rule that empire. Then another king will arise, different from the other ten, who will subdue three of them. 25 He will defy the Most High and oppress the holy people of the Most High. He will try to change their sacred festivals and laws, and they will be placed under his control for a time, times, and half a time. 26 “But then the court will pass judgment, and all his power will be taken away and completely destroyed. 27 Then the sovereignty, power, and greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven will be given to the holy people of the Most High. His kingdom will last forever, and all rulers will serve and obey him.” 28 That was the end of the vision. I, Daniel, was terrified by my thoughts and my face was pale with fear, but I kept these things to myself.
The end of the world. Makes for decent — and not so decent — movies. Lots of folks seem to enjoy an “it’s all gonna end” plot line. Despite humanity’s length of time here on earth — how things will end is still a popular topic. All it takes is another war in the Middle East to start up and we all start to wonder if this is it. Or — if wars in the Middle East aren’t your go to — maybe it’s some ancient prediction that makes the social media rounds that gets you to wonder — “Are we all going to be here tomorrow?” And — with all this interest in the end of the world — what better place to turn to than the Bible — a book given to us by the God who is the Author of — and controls — all of history?
For the Christian, I hope the Bible is your first place to go to when wanting to learn more about the end. But even if you’re not a Christian — have you explored what the Bible has to say about the end? In a culture that demands inclusivity — why exclude the Bible from being a source on the topic of the end of the world — or on any topic — for that matter? I mean — if you dismiss the Bible — especially without exploring what it has to say — maybe you’re not as inclusive as you claim to be. Maybe you have more in common with the people you consider to be close-minded or bigots or exclusive than you’d like to admit. And — if me saying this bothers you — all you have to do is include the Bible in your sources — treating it as fairly as you do other sources you go to for information. You do that — and you’ll show others just how committed you are to inclusivity.
But — for those of us who do follow Jesus — the reason why we turn to God’s Word first — when wanting to better understand how things will end — is because our hope is in the One whose rule is eternal and whose Kingdom will never be destroyed. Not even when the sun goes out — or an asteroid hits the earth — or pick your favorite apocalyptic movie’s great dilemma.
The key verses — in our chapter — which remind us of this hope — are verses thirteen and fourteen — where Daniel writes…
Daniel 7:13–14 (NLT)
13 As my vision continued that night, I saw someone like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world, so that people of every race and nation and language would obey him. His rule is eternal — it will never end. His kingdom will never be destroyed.
Now — what makes a chapter like ours so challenging — is that often we focus on the obscure instead of focusing on what’s clear. But — as one author has said — “If we understand the central purpose of these passages and focus our attention on what is clear and straightforward — rather than on what is complicated and obscure — then we will find blessing and encouragement in the apocalyptic portions of the Bible. So there’s our goal for the second half of Daniel: That our time in these chapters will be a blessing and encouragement to all of us as we live in this land of exile.
But — before we get to the clear and straightforward part of the chapter — we jump right into the complicated and obscure. We’re back in verse one.
Daniel 7:1–8 (NLT)
1 Earlier, during the first year of King Belshazzar’s reign in Babylon, Daniel had a dream and saw visions as he lay in his bed. He wrote down the dream, and this is what he saw. 2 In my vision that night, I, Daniel, saw a great storm churning the surface of a great sea, with strong winds blowing from every direction. 3 Then four huge beasts came up out of the water, each different from the others. 4 The first beast was like a lion with eagles’ wings. As I watched, its wings were pulled off, and it was left standing with its two hind feet on the ground, like a human being. And it was given a human mind. 5 Then I saw a second beast, and it looked like a bear. It was rearing up on one side, and it had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. And I heard a voice saying to it, “Get up! Devour the flesh of many people!” 6 Then the third of these strange beasts appeared, and it looked like a leopard. It had four bird’s wings on its back, and it had four heads. Great authority was given to this beast. 7 Then in my vision that night, I saw a fourth beast — terrifying, dreadful, and very strong. It devoured and crushed its victims with huge iron teeth and trampled their remains beneath its feet. It was different from any of the other beasts, and it had ten horns. 8 As I was looking at the horns, suddenly another small horn appeared among them. Three of the first horns were torn out by the roots to make room for it. This little horn had eyes like human eyes and a mouth that was boasting arrogantly.
So — the first detail to notice — is that we’ve jumped backwards in time. In terms of sermons — we’ve jumped back a month — when we met Belshazzar as he was partying on the edge of his grave. In terms of history — we’ve gone back in time at least fourteen years — for that’s the amount of time between Daniel and the angel’s den and when Belshazzar was king.
Second — and this takes us back even further in our time in Daniel — back to our third week in the book when king Nebuchadnezzar had a dream of the statue — the statue that had a head of gold, chest and arms of silver, a bronze belly and thighs, and feet made of clay and iron — back in that sermon I said, “To understand what’s going on in this dream — we need to understand something about the book of Daniel. The book of Daniel helps us interpret the book of Daniel…”
Back in chapter two — Nebuchadnezzar had a dream and Daniel interpreted it. Later in the book — Daniel will have a vision and the angel Gabriel will interpret it. And here in our chapter Daniel has a dream and visions. And most conservative biblical scholars agree that all of these dreams, visions, and their interpretations are connected. They’re related. A repeated dream and interpretation to show the original readers — and us — the certainty of what will take place. And here’s what’s really helpful about Gabriel’s interpretation of Daniel’s dream — again — this happens later in the book: Gabriel will tell us who the actual kingdoms are of these dreams.
Thus — in allowing the book of Daniel to help us interpret the book of Daniel — we learn that Nebuchadnezzar is the statue’s head of gold — making Babylon the first kingdom. In our chapter — chapter seven — this first kingdom is represented by a lion — but it’s still referring to Babylon. The second kingdom — the statue’s chest and arms of silver — a bear in our chapter — as well as a two-horned ram later in the book — is the kingdom of Media-Persia. The third kingdom — the bronze belly and thighs of the statue — a leopard in our chapter — and a shaggy goat later in the book — is Greece. And the fourth kingdom — the statue’s legs of iron and clay — the fourth beast in verse seven our chapter — isn’t explicitly named — but is Rome — and I explained why in my sermon from chapter two.
All that to say — we’re following a thread that connects all of these dreams and visions that are found in the book of Daniel. And the dreams and visions are repeated in the book — to show us something about the future from this point in history — meaning — not where we are in history — not 2024 — but from where Daniel is in history.
Earlier I mentioned that we’re in the prophetic and apocalyptic portion of Daniel. And — as one Bible scholar has said — “We first need to understand what [this literary genre] is, and what it is trying to do to us and for us. In simple terms, biblical apocalyptic can be defined…[as] a revelation of the ending of this present age — which is an age characterized by conflict — and its replacement by the final age of peace. It shows us ahead of time the end of the kingdoms of this world and their replacement by the kingdom of our God and of his Christ. This revelation is unfolded in complex and mysterious imagery, and has the purpose of comforting and exhorting the faithful. Apocalyptic literature thus proclaims a theology of hope to those whom the world has marginalized: it reminds us that God is presently on the throne and that he will ultimately triumph. In the meantime, whatever the present cost may be in terms of suffering — obedience to God is the only way.”
Though we may suffer — as we live in this land of exile — obedience is the only way. And these chapters of Daniel help us to keep our hope in what is guaranteed to come for those who believe in Jesus. Thus — even with all of this imagery and — admittedly — confusing symbolic language — know that the purpose of our text is to show us that the kingdoms of this world will come to an end and will be replaced by the kingdom of God. And this is meant to bring comfort and hope to God’s people — especially as we live in exile — a foreign land where following Jesus is becoming more and more marginalized.
We’ll return to these four kingdoms in a future sermon but — for now — let’s turn to the clearer part of our chapter. We’re in verse nine — and to set up what we’re about to read — you need to have a courtroom in mind — as this will help you understand what’s going on.
Daniel 7:9–14 (NLT)
9 I watched as thrones were put in place and the Ancient One sat down to judge. His clothing was as white as snow, his hair like purest wool. He sat on a fiery throne with wheels of blazing fire, 10 and a river of fire was pouring out, flowing from his presence. Millions of angels ministered to him; many millions stood to attend him. Then the court began its session, and the books were opened. 11 I continued to watch because I could hear the little horn’s boastful speech. I kept watching until the fourth beast was killed and its body was destroyed by fire. 12 The other three beasts had their authority taken from them, but they were allowed to live a while longer. 13 As my vision continued that night, I saw someone like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence. 14 He was given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world, so that people of every race and nation and language would obey him. His rule is eternal — it will never end. His kingdom will never be destroyed.
Now we’re to the crux of our chapter. As I’ve mentioned — we tend to focus on the beasts — the monster-like creatures of our nightmares — but these verses aren’t meant to scare us — but to comfort us. Thus the beasts are not to be our focus — rather God is to have our focus. When we focus on the beasts of the world — whether figurative or literal — we live in fear, in powerlessness, in defeat. But when we keep our eyes fixed on our God — who comes down on the clouds of heaven — who has authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world — whose rule is eternal — whose kingdom will never be destroyed — well — when our eyes are fixed on him — instead of fear — we have confidence — instead of powerlessness — we tap into a strength that’s not our own — and instead of defeat — we realize that we’re the victors because our God has won the war on our behalf.
This is what the angel explains to Daniel when the visions troubled him. We’re in verse fifteen.
Daniel 7:15–28 (NLT)
15 I, Daniel, was troubled by all I had seen, and my visions terrified me. 16 So I approached one of those standing beside the throne and asked him what it all meant. He explained it to me like this: 17 “These four huge beasts represent four kingdoms that will arise from the earth. 18 But in the end, the holy people of the Most High will be given the kingdom, and they will rule forever and ever.” 19 Then I wanted to know the true meaning of the fourth beast, the one so different from the others and so terrifying. It had devoured and crushed its victims with iron teeth and bronze claws, trampling their remains beneath its feet. 20 I also asked about the ten horns on the fourth beast’s head and the little horn that came up afterward and destroyed three of the other horns. This horn had seemed greater than the others, and it had human eyes and a mouth that was boasting arrogantly. 21 As I watched, this horn was waging war against God’s holy people and was defeating them, 22 until the Ancient One — the Most High — came and judged in favor of his holy people. Then the time arrived for the holy people to take over the kingdom. 23 Then he said to me, “This fourth beast is the fourth world power that will rule the earth. It will be different from all the others. It will devour the whole world, trampling and crushing everything in its path. 24 Its ten horns are ten kings who will rule that empire. Then another king will arise, different from the other ten, who will subdue three of them. 25 He will defy the Most High and oppress the holy people of the Most High. He will try to change their sacred festivals and laws, and they will be placed under his control for a time, times, and half a time. 26 “But then the court will pass judgment, and all his power will be taken away and completely destroyed. 27 Then the sovereignty, power, and greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven will be given to the holy people of the Most High. His kingdom will last forever, and all rulers will serve and obey him.” 28 That was the end of the vision. I, Daniel, was terrified by my thoughts and my face was pale with fear, but I kept these things to myself.
I love the angel’s explanation to Daniel — the angel just gets to the point. Even though Daniel keeps looking at the beasts — responding in fear — not once but twice — the angel redirects Daniel’s gaze.
Daniel 7:17–18 (NLT)
17 “These four huge beasts represent four kingdoms that will arise from the earth. 18 But in the end, the holy people of the Most High will be given the kingdom, and they will rule forever and ever.”
Later — after Daniel focuses again on the beasts — especially the fourth beast — the angel says…
Daniel 7:26–27 (NLT)
26 “But then the court will pass judgment, and all his power will be taken away and completely destroyed. 27 Then the sovereignty, power, and greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven will be given to the holy people of the Most High. His kingdom will last forever, and all rulers will serve and obey him.”
May this sermon — and God — we’ll even take you sending an angel to help us — but may God’s Word redirect your gaze from the beasts you may be facing — beasts that are causing you to fear — that are bringing terror into your life — may God redirect your gaze so that you focus on him and his promises to you.
There’s much I don’t understand in this chapter — I’m guessing the same is true for you as well. But the one thing that’s clear and certain — is that — “in the end, the holy people of the Most High will be given the kingdom, and they will rule forever.” And “our Most High and sovereign God has a kingdom that will last forever.” I hope — that these words of truth — give you some confidence today. Some reason to rejoice. To look to the future with hope. Because — though we live in a land of exile — a land of beasts at war with God and his people — our victory is secure. A victory described this way — in another prophetic and apocalyptic book in the Bible — the book of Revelation — where John writes…
Revelation 20:11–15 (NLT)
11 And I saw a great white throne and the one sitting on it. The earth and sky fled from his presence, but they found no place to hide. 12 I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God’s throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books. 13 The sea gave up its dead, and death and the grave gave up their dead. And all were judged according to their deeds. 14 Then death and the grave were thrown into the lake of fire. This lake of fire is the second death. 15 And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire.
And a few verses later he adds…
Revelation 21:1 (NLT)
1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone.
And the sea was also gone. A short sentence whose point can easily be missed. Do you remember where the four beasts in Daniel’s vision came from? Here’s a reminder.
Daniel 7:2–3 (NLT)
2 In my vision that night, I, Daniel, saw a great storm churning the surface of a great sea, with strong winds blowing from every direction. 3 Then four huge beasts came up out of the water, each different from the others.
Thus the hope promised to us — in eternity — is that the sea where the beasts come up from — is no more. For God’s enemies are forever defeated in our hope-filled and hopeful future. And — this promised future is secure because the Victor — Jesus Christ — defeated all of his enemies — and ours — through his life, death, and resurrection.
In Daniel’s vision, he describes an individual as “a son of man” — the figure who comes down on the clouds of heaven. Do you know that — in the gospels — Jesus’ favorite title for himself is the Son of Man? For — as one of my Bible dictionaries explains — “The phrase “one like a son of man,” denotes a human-looking figure who is given privileges normally reserved for God: authority, glory, sovereign power, the worship of men of every language, and an eternal kingdom.” (Lexham Bible Dictionary)
Jesus claims to be the Son of Man. He defends his authority and ministry by claiming to be the Son of Man. He explains his sacrifice — and what it will accomplish — as he describes himself as the Son of Man. And — when pointing to the future — Jesus describes himself as the Son of Man who will be seen seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.” (Matthew 26:64)
And — as Stephen was being killed because of his faith in Jesus — he looked up…
Acts 7:56 (NLT)
56 And he told them, “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing in the place of honor at God’s right hand!”
For Jesus — the Son of Man — was aware of all that was happening to his servant — Stephen. The one who is suffering — being stoned — is seen by the One who suffered and was vindicated by the Most High. The One who stands between God and us — mediating — vindicating — advocating to his holy Father that this one — Stephen — is worthy of being welcomed into his eternal Kingdom.
And — the amazing truth and promise is that Jesus — the Son of Man — says the same words to his Father about all who put their faith in him — including you — if you believe in him — and are living for him — Jesus will one day stand up to welcome all who put their hope in him as they live in this land of exile — and they will enter into his eternal land of hope, joy, life, and peace. No more suffering. No more pain. No more sorrow. For the beasts will be no more. Let’s pray.
Sovereign, reigning, and ruling Father, there’s much we don’t understand from this vision that Daniel was given. But one thing is clear and certain: In the end, the holy people of the Most High will be given the kingdom, and they will rule forever. And you — our Most High and sovereign God — has a kingdom that will last forever.
Spirit of God, make you take this word of promise and hope — and use it to give confidence to those who need it. May you take this word of promise and hope and give someone else a reason to rejoice. May this word of promise and hope give someone else optimism about their future. Because — though we live in a land of exile — of suffering — of beasts — our victory is secure.
And — Jesus — our victory is secure because you — the Son of Man — defeated our enemies of Satan, sin, death, and hell. You did so in your life, in your death, and in your defeat of the grave when you rose again and ascended into heaven where you are now seated — and are interceding for your people until the day of your return. A day of final defeat for your enemies — a day of eternal hope for your people. May we keep our eyes on you — Jesus — so we live in this land of exile — with great hope. In your name we pray. Amen.
May you go with your eyes fixed on Jesus — the Son of Man — filled with great hope as you live in this land of exile. Amen.
God loves you. I love you. You are sent.
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